Photo of Animalia: Masafuera Rayadito (species: Aphrastura masafuerae)

© Jim Wilson

Thorn-tailed Rayadito

In behaviour, reminiscent of a European Long-tailed Tit, often in noisy flocks working their way through the forest. Taken in Tierra del Fuego National Park, Argentina. Sounds and behaves like our Long-tailed Tit. The Thorn-tailed Rayadito is a common Furnariid of Argentina and Chile. Found in noisy flocks, these birds are easily found in a variety of forest habitats. This species can be identified by its contrasting buff and black head stripes, buff and black wing pattern, and spiny tail projections. Thorn-tailed Rayadito is closely related to the allopatric Masafuera Rayadito (Aphrastura masafuerae) which is endemic to Alejandro Selkirk Island in Chile.

Photo taken on 16 Mar 2016